12 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary: Island Highlights Private Tour
This classic route covers the best of the island: the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the tea hills, an elephant safari at Udawalawe and the Dutch fort of Galle. This 12 days Sri Lanka itinerary runs as a private tour with your own vehicle and driver-guide, so you travel at your own pace.
Tour Highlights
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla
Scenic train ride into tea country
Udawalawe elephant safari with a bush camp stay
Galle Fort and Unawatuna Bay
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Negombo
Transfer from the airport to Negombo and explore this colonial fishing town at your own pace.
Day 2: Negombo to Sigiriya
Drive inland to Sigiriya and climb the ancient rock fortress for views over the jungle.
Day 3: Polonnaruwa
Explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, the Gal Vihara Buddha statues and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Day 4: Sigiriya to Kandy via Dambulla
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple on the way to Kandy through green countryside.
Day 5: Kandy
Tour the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Day 6: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Ride the scenic train into the hills, then stroll around colonial Nuwara Eliya.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya Tea Country
Visit a tea plantation to watch the pickers at work and see how Ceylon tea is made.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe
Descend to the lowlands and check into a safari camp near Udawalawe National Park.
Day 9: Udawalawe Safari
Enjoy a jeep safari to see wild elephant herds, water buffalo and rich birdlife.
Day 10: Udawalawe to Galle
Drive to the south coast to explore Galle Fort and swim at Unawatuna Bay.
Day 11: Galle to Colombo
Head up the coast to Colombo for a tour of its temples, markets and colonial landmarks.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Why Book This Private Tour
Your own private vehicle and driver-guide for the whole trip
Travel on the dates that suit you
Hotels, pace and stops can be customised
Best Time to Visit
December to April is the best time for this itinerary, with dry, sunny weather on the west and south coasts and in the hill country.
Contact us to tailor this Sri Lanka private tour itinerary to your budget and travel style.